Respirator, gas mask, and the like



N. SCHWARTZ RESPIRATOR, GAS MASK, AND THE LIKE Filed NOV. 21, 1935 l Feb. 16, 1937.

Patented Feb. 16, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 4 Claims.

This invention relates to lter type respirators, such as disclosed in my prior United States Letters Patent Nos. 1,313,745, 1,292,096, and 1,946,334, in which the main body portion is made of suitable gas impervious material having a substantial centrally disposed opening constructed in a manner to contain filtering material.

The object of this invention is to improve the pocket construction in a manner whereby not only a sponge filter material may be inserted, but also a cotton or felt filter material may be inserted and the respirator therefor may also be used at such dust protection where preferably a dry filter type respirator is used. In the present device a sponge or another absorbent filter material containing liquid may be used, or in lieu thereof a dry filter material may be used such as felt, rayon, silk, cotton or a proper combination of such dry filter material.

Another object of this invention is to improve the retaining flap at nose in a manner so that it acts to prevent the entrance of extraneous matter and at the same time provides comfort for the nose of the wearer.

With the above recited and other objects in view reference is had to the following description and accompanying drawing, in which there is exhibited an embodiment of the invention, while the claims describe the actual scope of the same.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a front view of the respirator.

Figure 2 is the rear or inside View of the same showing the continuous marginal strip forming a rectangular pocket and having omitted the 2 triangular shaped impervious materials which cover the same rearward.

Figure 3 is same as Figure 2 but this shows the 2 triangular shaped impervious materials overlapping the continuous marginal strip which forms the rectangular pocket.

Figure 4 is a staggered cross section especially illustrating the double pocket formation and including cotton filters therein.

Figure 5 is same as Figure 4 except that a sponge filter material is shown.

Figure 6 is an enlarged cross section at upper margin, showing the retaining cushion flap, its content and relations. Figure 7 is a lateral cross section at body centre.

Referring to the drawing by characters of reference, I designates the body of the mask or respirator winch is constructed of a gas impervious material, which is suitably shaped to cover the wearers face and which is provided with band sections I I and I 2 having any suitable interengaging means of connection I3 andY I4 for holding the respirator body in applied position. The margin of the body I0 is formed with suitable means, such as the folded strips or aps I5, which causes an intimate contact of the respirator body with the face of the wearer. The body of the respirator is provided with a substantially central opening or cut out portion Iii to admit of inhalation and exhalation therethrough, said opening being suitably screened to admit air but to exclude dust or other injurious substances. The screening of the opening It is accomplished preferably by means of one layer of silk bolting cloth 28 and one layer of gauze 2S in superimposed position. 'Ihe screening of the opening I6 `is accomplished by the outer layers of materials 29 and 28 and is herein designated by the reference character I9 which forms the outer Wall of the pocket P located in the opening I6. In order to provide a pocket located within the opening for receiving a sponge 25 or other suitable material, a marginal strip 20 is provided. The marginal strip 20 is stitched 30 conjointly with screen I9 and body of the respirator I0 and the marginal strip 20 is disposed internally or rearward to screen I9.

It is to be noted that heretofore the marginal strip 20 by itself formed the pocket for this type of respirator, and fairly satisfactory service was obtained therewith in connection with the use of a sponge iilter material. However, several industries in particular the dry color industry require a dry filter type respirator. In adjusting dry filter fabrics such as cotto-n or felt, into the rectangular pocket P of this type respirator, it was noted that the hold was not rm. To rectify the condition an additional layer of impervious fabric 2l is stitched 3l in an overlapped position to the marginal strip 20 and thereby a second pocket is formed PP. Namely the second pocket is created between two folds 20 and 2|. Therefor, a compact cotton I8, or an equal filter material such as felt, silk or rayon or other textile porous filtering material is inserted in the first formed pocket P and then another layer of filter material such as bleached nonabsorbent cotton Il is inserted into the overlapping pocket PP. This arrangement makes rapid and frequent changes of the filter element practical. That is the lter'material I'I may be replaced twice a day and the filter element I8 may be replaced once a day. The screening element I9 is washable and lasting, as well as every other part of the respirator is Washable, being constructed of rub.- berized fabric or its equivalent. When a sponge filter element is used the present arrangement,

namely the overlapping element 2|, provides an additional hold on the filter element and aids in securing the sponge 25 in a steady position. Heretofore, as was stated in my Letters Patent (U. S.) 1,946,334, an additional bowed element was required to secure the sponge lter element in the rectangular pocket. The overlapping impervious fabric 2|, therefore has 2 functions, namely it aids in securely holding the sponge filter and also it creates an overlapping pocket PP which makes a very suitable arrangementl for multilayer lters. The value of multilayer filters is also two fold, namely one can be removed more frequently as required, which is plainly an economy, as otherwise the total filter element would have to be replaced. The second Value is that multilayer filters are more effective separators.

In Figure 4, the overlapping fabric 2| is shown to be slit and lifted outward and the overlapping pocket PP is plainly brought into view. In Figure 5Y the said slit is extended and the entire flap of the outer side of slit is removed and the outer wall of the overlapping pocket PP is shown, which is the rear facing of the rectangular pocket forming strip 20.

In Figure 3, the two triangular impervious pocket forming flaps 2| are plainly shown, and the stitches 3| indicate the manner of attachment tothe rectangular pocket portion.

In Figure l, which is the front or anterior view of the respirator, the rectangular opening I6, is clearly shown, also the outer layer silk bolting cloth 28, which constitutes one layer of screen element I9, stitches 30, shows how they are united to the impervious body IIJ of the respirator. In Figure 2, the inner gauze layer 29, of the screen element I9 is shown. Also in this Figure 2, may be seen stitches 32, which stitches strengthen the margin portion of the rectangular pocket forming strip 20.

In Figure 6, which is a cross section at upper nose margin of respirator, the folded distending material 24, is clearly shown, as it is enclosed by the retaining flap I5. It is also plainly shown that another anterior flap 22 encloses a malleable wire 23, which causes a contour to fit the respirator in an engaging Contact with the nasal portion of the respirator and face of the wearer. Stitches 26, indicate how wire enclosing flap 22 is attached to respirator body I8 and the stitches 2'I indicate how folded retaining flap I5 enclosing folded distending material 24, is attached to body I0. Heretofore the folded retaining flap in this type respirator served to prevent extraneous matter to enter the breathing air space of the respirator interior. Kinks in the continuity of retaining flaps have occurred, and as a result leaks at such parts have been possible. Such leaks are made impossible with the present invention, namely the enclosing of a folded material 24, such folded material having been treated or processed with rubber, cement, shellac, paint, enamel or an equivalent substance. Preferably a fabric material of a textile nature is used for such processing. Such fabric is present on the market and known as rubberized fabric. In the present invention a thinner rubberized fabric is used for the enclosing material I5, and a thicker rubberized fabric is preferred for the distending folded material 24, as indicated in the drawing. In practise it is noticed that a better distention occurs if such an arrangement of lthese materials is made. On account of the better distention kinks are prevented in the folded refo-rtably.

taining flap, and furthermore a cushion is created, so that more comfort for the wearer is provided, especially is this needed in this type respirator, because a wire is located at nose part, and such wire is prevented from pressing uncom- A tubular element, such as rubber tubing, has a similar cushioning effect, it is however not as practical for insertion, as isv a folded rubberized fabric.

Figure 7 is a lateral cross section at a point approximating the lateral angles of the rectangular filter pocket opening I6. 'I'he point of cross section is indicated in Figure 1, and characterized as L-L. This Figure Y'7, clearly illustrates the double pocket arrangement and the simplicity thereof. Notice screening element I9, composed of the silk bolting cloth 28 and the gauze element 29. The screening element I9 is stitched 30, to body I conjointly with the rectangular pocket forming strip 20, and thereby the rectangular pocket P is formed, in a continuity, and the screening element I9 forms its anterior or outer wall and the rectangular strip 20 forms its inner or rear wall. The triangular flap 2| is attached by means of stitches 3| to the. body III, conjointly with screening element I9 and rec-V tangular strip 20, and it forms the second pocket PP, which may also be designated as the inner pocket. Therefore the filter material I8 is shown to be held in the outer pocket P, and the filter material is plainly shown to be held by the inner pocket PP. It is also made apparent that filter element II may be removed ywithout in conveniencing or unduly dislocating filter element I8.

It is to be seen that if the respirator body I0 is drawn inward to face of the wearer, which does happen when the respirator is in applied position, the fabric material 2| is caused to press outward onto filter elements I1 Vand I8, and thereby causing a rm grip and therefore safety for the wearer. The same is true when sponge 25 is inserted in pocket P. The action is as follows: The rectangular strip 20 holds on to the sponge 25. T'he triangular flaps 2| reinforce such hold on both sides and furthermore are in a more inwardly disposed position. This provides a satisfactory hold and also keeps the sponge away from the mouth of the wearer. I'his method is a. distinct improvement on previous methods of safely holding sponges in 'pockets of this type respirators. Mention should 'be made of the fact that sponges dry when not in use, and that when sponges dry they shrink and tend to fall out of the pocket. However with the improvement here made the hold for the sponge is ample, and it stays in position as located. It is to be noted that there occurs no increased resistance either to inhalation or exhalation, that may be ascribed to or be caused by triangular flap 2|.

It is to be noted that retaining flap material I enclosing distending folded material 24, together constitute a cushion as is indicated in the drawing by the character 32. This combined formation improves two functions, namely, retention, by which means the contact of the respirator and the face of the wearer is closer and leaks therethrough is made impossible. The other functional improvement is comfort, namely the said combined formation causes a cushion formation and pressure against the nasal portion of face is minimized. Such pressure is at times uncomfortable especially in this type respirator,

because a wire is used to conform shape at nose part.

In Figure 4 the enclosed distending folded material 24 is illustrated and it is here shown that the said folded material 24 is not included in the stitches 21. It is at times preferable not to include the same, especially when it is required that the said folded material 24 is to be of substantial thickness for the purpose of obtaining maximum distention. If such thick material would be included in the stitches 21, stitching diflculties would be encountered and also kinks and irregularities in the cushion would occur.

However, when a lighter distention is sumeient, that is, the dust condition is of low concentration, a lighter cushion forming combination is made. The enclosed folded material 24 is thinner but still it is thicker than the enclosing flap l5, and also the material 24 in this case is included in the stitches 21. It is therefore apparent that folded material 24 is really formed into a tube. Likewise a tubular element may be enclosed in folded ap I5, and an equally good cushion is formed thereby.

What is claimed is:

1. A filter type respirator having a body of gas impervious material provided with an opening adjacent to the nose and mouth of the wearer, said opening being substantially diamond shaped. and a pocket forming structure for holding filter elements, said pocket structure being located in and closing the said opening and which pocket structure includes as part thereof a flexible screen material constituting the wall of said pocket, said screen material being of substantial rectangular form, a continuous marginal strip secured to the inner face of the body and covering the edges of the pocket forming structure, and two substantially triangular shaped materials attached to the rear part of the marginal pocket strip overlapping said marginal pocket strip and disposed sidewise to the said marginal pocket strip and thus leaving a central opening, for filtering purposes.

2. A filter type respirator gas mask or the like having a body of impervious material, having means provided for filtering air, having a folded flap attached to the inner side of the respirator and near the margin thereof, the said folded flap enclosing within its lumen another folded ma- ,teriaL 3. A filter type respirator having a body of gas impervious material provided with an opening adjacent to the nose and mouth of the wearer, said opening being substantially diamond shaped, and a pocket forming structure for holding filter elements, said pocket structure being located in and closing said opening and which pocket structure includes as part thereof a flexible screen material constituting the wall of said pocket, a continuous marginal strip secured to the inner face of the body, and covering the edges of the pocket forming structure, and additional material attached to the rear part of the rectangular pocket strip in an overlapping position and in a manner to leave a central opening.

4. A filter type respirator gas mask or the like having a body of impervious material, having means provided for filtering air, having a folded flap attached at the edge of the respirator, said folded flap enclosing another material in a folded position.

NATHAN SCHWARTZ. 

